In the automotive universe, certain vehicles transcend the ordinary and carve out a niche for themselves. The Acura/Honda NSX is undeniably one such icon that made its debut in the early 90s. Honda’s first-ever flagship supercar was built in association with an F1 legend, making it that much more desirable today. In this week’s edition of Classic Cars on DubiCars, we feature the iconic Acura NSX NA1 first-generation Japanese supercar.
History
The NSX, or New Sportscar eXperimental, made its debut in 1989 as the NA1 generation at the Chicago Auto Show in February. A sleek mid-engine coupe, it was crafted with precision at the renowned Takanezawa R&D Plant in Tochigi, Japan. The NA1 was the first production car to feature an all-aluminium monocoque body, a groundbreaking move that significantly reduced weight without compromising strength.
The NSX NA2 followed in 1997, refining the formula with notable improvements. The body became stiffer, and the suspension was fine-tuned, enhancing the already impressive handling. The NSX now had an even more potent performance edge. The production ended in 2005. Also, if you are wondering about the difference between Acura NSX and Honda NSX, it is nothing but a region-specific name given to the same car. It had the Acura name if it was sold in North America or Hong Kong. Everywhere else, it was the Honda NSX.
Feature Model History
This 1991 Acura NA1 is kept completely in factory-spec with just over 15,000km on the ODO and has been maintained in immaculate condition. It was first sold to an owner in Brookfield, Wisconsin, in the mid-1990s. Approximately seven years later, with around 4,000km on the clock, the supercar was sold to a buyer in Tucson, Arizona, where it remained until Tomini Classics was acquired in 2019. In 2020, the car was sold briefly to a buyer in Dubai, who clocked just 643km and was bought back by Tomini Classics waiting for a new buyer. Here is this Acura NSX NA1 first-generation supercar listed on DubiCars by Tomini Classics.
Design
Gordon Murray, the man who designed the McLaren F1 credited the Honda NSX for inspiration behind the McLaren’s supercar. The design philosophy of the NSX was a harmonious blend of function and form. Penned by the renowned designer Pininfarina, the NSX embodied a timeless aesthetic. Its low-slung profile, pop-up headlights, and clean lines were a testament to Honda’s commitment to aerodynamics and style. Finally, the iconic rear-end with its integrated spoiler is a quirk in itself.
Interior & Features
Slip into the driver’s seat, and you’re welcomed by a driver-centric cockpit. The interior of the NSX exuded simplicity, yet every detail was purposeful. The focus was on providing an immersive driving experience. The NA2 saw an upgrade in materials, with premium touches amplifying the sense of luxury without compromising the car’s racing pedigree.
Association With F1 World Champion Ayrton Senna
One of the most illustrious chapters in the NSX’s saga is its association with the legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna. Senna played a pivotal role in fine-tuning the NSX’s chassis, ensuring that the car’s handling matched its performance. His expertise and feedback were instrumental in shaping the NSX into a precision instrument on the road. The collaboration between Senna and Honda resulted in a car that not only thrilled on the track but also offered a level of comfort and drivability rare in the world of high-performance sports cars.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the NSX beat with a mid-mounted, naturally aspirated 3.0-litre V6 engine mated to a 5-speed manual. The NA1 is known to be one of the first cars to feature the revolutionary and iconic VTEC technology.
- Max Power: 270hp
- Peak Torque: 285Nm
- 0 to 100km/h: 5.4 seconds
- Top Speed: Over 270km/h
These figures might set you into race mode, but back in the early 90s, the NSX was one of the fastest production cars.
Suspension
The suspension system of the NSX was a key ingredient in its recipe for precision handling. In the NA1, Honda engineers introduced a sophisticated double-wishbone suspension setup that contributed to the car’s superb handling capabilities. This meant that the NSX was not just a powerhouse in a straight line but could gracefully navigate around bends.
The Acura NSX NA1 will remain an icon in the automotive realm. Its history is a testament to Honda’s commitment to innovation, blending cutting-edge technology with a passion for driving. With the performance pedigree cemented by the association with Ayrton Senna, the NSX continues to captivate enthusiasts and classic car collectors across the world. Find this particular Acura NSX NA1 first-generation supercar listed on DubiCars by Tomini Classics.
